James Pearce Jr. Arrested After Police Chase in Florida; WNBA Star Rickea Jackson Named in Incident Report
An Atlanta Falcons defender is facing serious legal trouble.
According to a report from NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, James Pearce Jr., an edge rusher for the Atlanta Falcons, was arrested in Florida on charges of aggravated battery with a deadly weapon. Authorities say Pearce faces two counts related to the charge.
What Police Say Happened
Local outlet WPLG reports the incident occurred in Doral, Florida. Police allege Pearce fled the scene of a domestic dispute, which then escalated into a vehicle pursuit. Officers say the chase ended when Pearce crashed his car.
Law enforcement later confirmed that the woman involved in the dispute was Rickea Jackson, a standout WNBA player. Jackson and Pearce were romantically linked during the summer of 2025, though Jackson publicly confirmed their breakup in early September.
Custody Status
Pearce was booked into the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center following his arrest. As of the latest reports, bond has not been set, and no court date has been announced.
Authorities have not released additional details about the alleged weapon involved, and no further information has been provided about injuries. The investigation remains ongoing.
Rickea Jackson and Pearce’s Relationship
Jackson, one of the WNBA’s rising stars, previously acknowledged her relationship with Pearce earlier this year before confirming they had gone their separate ways. She has not publicly commented on the arrest or the allegations at this time.
Falcons and NFL Response
As of now, the Atlanta Falcons and the NFL have not issued a public statement regarding Pearce’s arrest. League discipline, if any, typically follows the legal process and review under the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
Important Context
It’s important to note that these are allegations, and Pearce has not been convicted of any crime. He is entitled to due process as the case moves through the legal system.
Bottom Line
The arrest of James Pearce Jr. marks a serious development for both his NFL career and the broader sports world, especially given the involvement of a high-profile WNBA player. More information is expected as authorities continue their investigation and court proceedings begin.